Kuwait City: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the UAE Media Council (UAEMC), led the UAE delegation to the Arab Media Forum in Kuwait. The forum, taking place under the patronage of H.H the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, is set to continue until May 12, focusing on the theme: 'Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the United Arab Emirates is honored as the Guest of Honour at this year's forum, acknowledging its significant contributions to the Arab media landscape. The UAE's role in fostering professional media practices and enhancing cultural dialogue is celebrated, affirming its impact on regional and international media systems.
Addressing the forum, Abdulla Al Hamed emphasized the deepening relationship between the UAE and Kuwait, fostered by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Highlighting the growing cooperation in the media sector, Al Hamed extended greetings from the UAE's leadership and expressed appreciation for the forum's participants and their efforts in advancing media roles and values.
Al Hamed expressed gratitude to Kuwait for the UAE's Guest of Honour status and praised the forum's history of strengthening Arab media collaboration. He acknowledged the efforts of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Kuwait's Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, for organizing the event that gathers prominent Arab media figures.
The NMO Chairman reiterated the UAE's commitment to developing a modern media system aligned with global advances. He addressed the challenges posed by social media, advocating for a joint Arab legislative framework to prevent misuse, promote social responsibility, and protect freedom of expression.
Al Hamed emphasized the need for media institutions to reassess their strategies in light of the digital space's openness. He called for a renewed media discourse that balances technology with core values, restoring media's role as a trusted public opinion influencer.
Highlighting the UAE's media initiatives, Al Hamed noted the launch of the Global "Bridge" Summit, aiming to establish international media partnerships. This summit seeks to connect East and West, enhancing media integration and aligning with digital transformations.
Concluding his address, Al Hamed invited participation in the summit, emphasizing media's role as a tool for change, communication, and truth. He stressed the urgency of rebuilding responsible media capable of competition and engagement, focusing on sustainable development and the interests of Arab nations.
The UAE's participation in the 2025 Arab Media Forum includes a pavilion showcasing its national media journey, utilizing hologram technology to offer an immersive experience of its media milestones. The pavilion highlights three phases: the early days of unity and identity, the evolution of professional content and infrastructure, and the present commitment to a future-oriented media vision.